Overview of Buddhism

Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world, being9 Vietnam 50% 41,767,788
exceeded in numbers only by Christianity, Islam and10 Singapore 43% 1,880,931
Hinduism. It was founded in Northern India by the firstThere are basically two type of Buddhism:
known Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. In 535 BCE, heThere are many different variations which have
attained enlightenment and assumed the title Lorddeveloped with little conflict. This has been because at
Buddha (one who has awakened). Siddharthaits core is a philosophical system to which such
Gautama was born in Lumbini, now part of Nepal.Topadditions can be easily grafted.
10 countries with the highest percent of Buddhists.The main branches:
Theravada or Hinayana - the Lesser Vehicle:
Rank Country % Buddhist PopulationHinayana is practiced in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand,
1 Thailand 94% 61,517,708Cambodia and Laos. The Lesser Vehicle Buddhism is
2 Cambodia 93% 12,654,574based on the teaching of the Vinaya Pitaka. Vinaya
3 Mongolia 93% 2,595,882Pitaka thought that Buddha was a man, a very special
4 Myanmar 90% 38,618,517man, a very special person but nevertheless
5 Bhutan 74% 1,651,895human.The Theravada believes that there is no reality
6 Japan 71% 90,466,243corresponding to the concept of God that we can rely
7 Sri Lanka 70% 14,045,343on for salvation.
8 Laos 60% 3,730,284